Officials and weather guessers are staggering like a giddy teenager landing a hot date for the prom. Only this one ain’t so hot. With the approach of a sub-freezing blast courtesy of a polar vortex, North Texans are more than encouraged to stay home for the next few days of freezing temperatures accompanied by snow, sleet and ice. Yesterday morning’s 130-vehicle-pile-up that killed six in Fort Worth was a blood-curdling wake-up call to the danger of ice on streets and highways.
Needless to say, grocery stores are once again ramping up to provide milk, eggs and other ingredients for comfort food to help face the days ahead.
If, on the other hand, you’re one of those throw-caution-to-the-windchill types and are thinking about venturing out, check before heading out. Despite it being the three-day Presidents Day federal holiday weekend, and Sunday being Valentine’s Day, retailers may or may not be open for business.
And even the much-in-demand COVID-19 vaccinations sites are delayed, rescheduled, canceled, etc..
In all cases, be smart and call ahead.
On the other hand, homeless shelters and food banks will be mustering up their best efforts to accommodate those in need.
In regard to public venues, the Dallas Arboretum reports that it’s taking one day at a time. Still, “this cold weather will delay the tulips and other spring bulbs for Dallas Blooms, which is still set to open Saturday, February 20, with the theme ‘America the Beautiful.’ These flowers are hardy and can withstand the cooler temperatures. It’s fitting that the first week celebrates the region of New England as we have their cold weather here.”
Over at the Dallas Zoo, Marketing and Communications Senior Director Kari Streiber reports, “We’re taking it day by day. We’re watching forecasts and evaluating at the end of each day for the following day. Also paying close attention to roadway conditions and the status of the walkways leading to and throughout the Zoo – we’ll be making decisions to ensure the safety of our guests and employees. Of course, given the temps, few of our animals are spending much time outside! Most are staying tucked away, warm in behind the scenes areas.”
This freeze-mageddon is hitting at an especially hard time for a community dealing with the devastating COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the economy, politics, families and those professionals and organizations trying to help the healing process.
As if healthcare workers, nonprofits, grocery staffs and retailers needed another blow, this is a cold one.